Dams & Hydropower

Feather River, CA

American Rivers played a lead role in the relicensing of Oroville Dam, the tallest in the United States and the largest dam in the California State Water Project. Oroville blocks salmon and steelhead from reaching many miles of spawning habitat and dramatically alters the flows and water quality of the Feather River downstream. In 2006, participants in the relicensing reached a settlement agreement that will benefit the Feather River in several ways, including improving flows and water temperatures for salmon, restoring floodplain habitat and expanding habitat for salmon and steelhead, and improving opportunities for river recreation.

As of March 2013, implementation of the settlement agreement is still pending approval of the National Marine Fisheries Assocation. American Rivers is currently working to establish a Blue Trail through Oroville, CA in conjunction with the projects planned as provisions of the settlement agreement. A Blue Trail will provide benefits and opportunities to the local community and visitors alike, and will integrate area attractions like the Oroville Wildlife Area and other settlement agreement projects and enhancements.